Loan Payment Formula:
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The PMT formula calculates the fixed periodic payment required to pay off a loan with interest over a specified term. This is commonly used for mortgages, car loans, personal loans, and other installment credit products.
The calculator uses the standard loan payment formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for compound interest and amortization, ensuring each payment covers both interest and principal reduction.
Details: Accurate payment calculation is essential for budgeting, loan comparison, financial planning, and understanding the true cost of borrowing.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in dollars, annual interest rate as a percentage, and loan term in years. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between simple interest and compound interest?
A: Simple interest is calculated only on the principal, while compound interest is calculated on principal plus accumulated interest.
Q2: How does loan term affect monthly payments?
A: Longer terms result in lower monthly payments but higher total interest paid over the life of the loan.
Q3: What is amortization?
A: Amortization is the process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest.
Q4: Can this formula be used for credit cards?
A: While the principle is similar, credit cards typically use different calculation methods with minimum payment requirements.
Q5: What factors can change loan payments?
A: Changes in interest rates, additional principal payments, loan refinancing, or variable rate adjustments can affect payments.